Dear Dr. Dirt: I hear a lot about winter pansies or icicle pansies that you plant in the late summer/early fall. They claim they go dormant when temperatures get really cold and then bloom again in the spring. I saw them in Philadelphia last winter and they looked great. Obviously, last winter was very mild, though. — Greg, Indianapolis

Dear Reader: As summer ends, a new life for pansies begins with the cooler weather. This very popular fall bedding plant blooms until freezing temperatures are here to stay. Then, the plants go dormant and await the warming weather of late winter. Once the ground freezes, a thin layer of mulch will provide winter protection. By late February and early March, pansies resume blooming until late spring. Then it is time to plant summer annuals. Pansies take the cold sting out of winter.

Dear Dr. Dirt: This year's crop of tomatoes was plentiful, but they have hard-core green centers even though they appear ripe. Is it weather or soil? Would like to know why. — Mary, Indianapolis

Dear Reader: The size of the tomato cores varies with the variety. With the larger cores, you just have to cut away the green tissue with a paring knife.

Dear Reader: The white butterflies are looking for members of the cabbage family. Their eggs become little green worms that blend in well with the foliage. They love Brussels sprouts and cabbage. If there are only a few plants, the worms can be hand-picked and destroyed. When an insecticide is used, be sure to read and follow the product label instructions, especially the harvest restrictions.

Dear Reader: Dandelions and white clover are two common lawn pests that flower and produce nectar for a number of insects. Herbicide labels provide important information that should be read and followed for safe use of the product.

Dear Dr. Dirt: Our beautiful hemlock was covered with bagworms. I have pulled off what I can reach. What kind of spray should be used to kill the remaining bagworms? — Becky, Indianapolis

Dear Reader: At this time, the bagworms have finished feeding and they are no longer damaging the tree. Eggs have been laid in the bags, and next year in mid-May, they will start hatching. Spraying in early June and 14 days later with Malathion will stop the new worms. However, you have until May of next year to pick the remaining brown bags and destroy them. No bags means no worms and no spraying next year.

Dear Dr. Dirt: We have a nice 6-foot maple that is planted in the wrong place. When is a good time to make the move? — Ryan, Fishers

Dear Reader: A 6-foot maple should be rather easy to dig and transplant in the fall. Wait until there have been temperatures below 32 degrees, which will cause the top of the tree to go dormant. Bare-root would be the easy way. After transplanting, mulch with 3 or 4 inches of grass clippings or straw to prevent the early freezing of the soil. This will allow the tree roots to continue growing.

Dear Dr. Dirt: We have a section of purple coneflowers that are beautiful, but after flowering, the plants are ugly. Is there a treatment to save the plants? — Sally, Clermont

Dear Reader: Late in the summer, there are a numbers of disease problems that attack and ruin the foliage. Once the seed has matured, the ugly foliage can be pruned back to near ground level. It is a good idea to plant coneflowers as a backdrop to other perennials. Thus, when the foliage turns ugly it is not as noticeable.

Dear Dr. Dirt: My little poinsettia plant grew 30 inches tall this past summer. I enjoyed it so much in the garden that I forgot all about bringing it indoors. Will it color up for Christmas? — Ruth Ann, Indianapolis

Dear Reader: Poinsettias are treated with growth hormones so they can be grown as potted plants. Outdoors in tropical climates, the plants may grow 6 to 8 feet high. Poinsettias are very sensitive to freezing temperatures. They should be brought indoors before frosty nights. Once indoors, placed them within 3 feet of a south or west window. Poinsettias develop colored bracts after short days and long nights. They must be shaded or protected from artificial light (4 p.m. until 8 a.m. daily) for 12 weeks. With the late start, you plant will have color for Valentine's Day.